Answer Close-Reading Questions
Have students write their responses, or use the Close-Reading Questions to guide a discussion.
• What is special about the new school in Malawi? What problem does it solve? (Problem and Solution)
The school is the first one in the world that was built using a 3-D printer. Its concrete walls were constructed in just 15 hours. The school helps solve the problem of many students in the area having to walk long distances to school.
• How do 3-D printers work? (Key Details)
3-D printers use materials like plastic, metal, or concrete to create solid objects that have length, width, and height. A computer program creates an image of the object and sends it to the printer. The printer pushes the material through heated nozzles and builds the object layer by layer.
• What are some of the advantages of 3-D printing? (Summarizing)
One advantage of 3-D printing is that it can create objects on demand. For example, NASA might be able to 3-D print spare parts on board the International Space Station instead of having to send thousands of parts there just in case they’re needed. Another advantage of 3-D printing is that it can be less wasteful than traditional manufacturing.